2014 Frequently Asked Questions 1
Welcome to Caterpillar Cove, FBC’s ministry to children from birth through Kindergarten. The preschool years are vitally important. Foundations are laid that determine future success. It is a time when preschoolers are growing physically, mentally, socially and emotionally at a rapid pace. Trust is learned during the first year of life. Preschoolers are also developing foundations for their spiritual and moral growth. Preschoolers will experience active learning that teaches them about God, Jesus, the Bible, church, self, family, others, and their natural world. It is our desire that they develop a loving attitude toward God and others. Susan Tatum, Minister to Preschool & Children What happens on Sunday? (all preschool activities take place on the first floor) Childcare for ages 3 and under opens at 8:20 am prior to the First Community worship service at 8:45. Age-appropriate Sunday School classes begin at 9:45 am and a nursery is provided for infants. Ages 4 through kindergarten are picked up at the end of Sunday School at 10:50 am to attend the 11:00 worship service with their parents. Ages birth through 3 may remain in their room for Extended Care during the 11:00 am worship service. Younger preschoolers are picked up immediately after the 11:00 am worship service. What is “Passage”? Passage is an optional children’s worship experience for ages 4 years through first grade that takes place during part of the 11:00 am worship service. Children are dismissed during the service ( usually after the Children’s Sermon) and escorted to the second floor where they are picked up immediately after the 11:00 worship service.
2
What happens on Wednesdays? (all activities take place on the first floor) Our mid-week family supper line opens at 5:00 pm in Trentham Hall. Kids Hut Café is a special area designed for children with kid-friendly meal choices and seating for children and their families. Age-graded preschool choirs begin at 5:40 pm. There is a choir designed for preschoolers who have turned 3 as well as a choir for ages 4- kindergarten. Mission Friends is offered beginning at 6:30 pm for ages 2 – Kindergarten. Preschoolers are escorted across the hall to their class. All activities end at 7:15 pm. Childcare for ages 2 and younger opens at 5:15 pm and closes at 7:30.
Other Common Questions Will my child be safe? Yes! Each time you bring your preschooler to Caterpillar Cove you will check in at the desk in the lobby. You will be given a pager to keep while you are at church. If a need arises, you will be paged to come to the preschool lobby and check in with the greeter on duty. All of our volunteers and paid staff must submit a background check before working with any child. What if my child cries or is unhappy? Be assured that our staff is ready to handle these situations! A fussy or crying child can usually be soothed by getting them involved in an activity. Many children are anxious about new people and surroundings so CONSISTENCY in bringing your child each week is also important to their adjustment. If an emergency arises or a child is inconsolable, you will be paged.
3
Do I need to send snacks with my preschooler? No, in fact we ask that you do NOT send food items other than in the infant room. We will have juice and crackers available. If your child has an allergy, please make sure we are aware of this. Can I stay in the room with my child? We do not recommend this since in many cases it just prolongs the adjustment period for the child and makes it more difficult in the end, however, we will work with you to make each experience at church the most positive it can be. How can I volunteer to help out? We are always looking for volunteers to help out in a variety of ways from volunteering in a classroom, extended care once every 2 months, organizing a resource room, Vacation Bible School each summer and many others. Each volunteer must submit a background check before working with any child.
Be sure and ask at the desk for a copy of our Preschool Handbook for additional policies, curriculum overview, and opportunities for parental involvement.
4
Who Can I Contact for More Information?
Susan Tatum Minister to Preschool and Children 865-546-9661
[email protected]
5
